Albuquerque: 10K Loop
Thanks to an abandoned highway plan, this close-to-town 6.3-mile loop remains rugged and wild--a perfect quick escape for summer evenings and Saturday mornings.
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Mapped by Bill Velasquez
Trail Facts
- Distance: 9.8
Waypoints
TKT006
Location: 35.2348327636719, -106.455833435059
North Sandia Peak (10,447 ft.); return to North Crest
TKT001
Location: 35.2095413208008, -106.435562133789
Trailhead. Trail leads N deep into mixed conifer forest
TKT004
Location: 35.2373046875, -106.448402404785
Catch views of Sandia Mountains on the Cañon del Agua overlook; swing S onto North Crest Trail
TKT003
Location: 35.2344703674316, -106.447082519531
Ruts of an abandoned highway project, now called Cross Ellis Trail; continue straight
TKT002
Location: 35.2322731018066, -106.443656921387
Media Spring
TKT005
Location: 35.2327270507812, -106.451179504395
Turn R onto unmarked spur trail
TKT008
Location: 35.2169456481934, -106.449714660645
Turn L onto NM 536
TKT009
Location: 35.2112274169922, -106.445434570312
Radio towers line Sandia Crest; return 1.2 miles back to parking lot
TKT007
Location: 35.2235870361328, -106.450950622559
Continue on rim; nice views to W; look for raptors surfing thermals